The talk is in conjunction with the Appalachian Energy Summit being held on campus for representatives from UNC system universities and select private colleges and universities in the state. Prior to Lovins’ presentation, Thomas W. Ross, president of the 17-campus University of North Carolina, will talk about the goals of the Energy Summit and deliver a call to action to university-based Energy Summit participants.

Lovins has published 29 books, including the acclaimed “Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era” in which he offers a strategic plan for eliminating oil and coal use in the U.S. by the year 2050. According to RMI’s website, the book “offers actionable solutions for four energy-intensive sectors of the economy: transportation, buildings, industry, and electricity.”

Lovins’ wide-ranging innovations in energy, security, environment and development have received global recognition. He advises governments and major firms worldwide on advanced energy and resource efficiency, has briefed 20 heads of state, and has led the technical redesign of more than $30 billion worth of industrial facilities in 29 sectors to achieve large energy savings at typically lower capital cost.

In 2009, TIME Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and Foreign Policy magazine named him one of the 100 top global thinkers.

Leaders from the 17-campus University of North Carolina system and several private universities from across the state will gather at Appalachian July 8-11 to address a common concern: the rising cost of energy. The UNC System spends $226 million a year, or approximately $1,000 per student, on energy – costs which are expected to increase as energy prices and demand rise.

Participants in the Appalachian Energy Summit will meet with Lovins and other industry and government leaders to chart a sustainable energy strategic path for the UNC System, which has a goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.